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New Board for hotel sale announced

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By Andrew Coakley

Bahamas Information Services

 

#TheBahamas, January 7, 2022 – The process of finding a new buyer for the Grand Lucayan resort, began with the introduction of the new Board on Thursday, January 6, 2022, which has the responsibility to attract new investors, assist with negotiations and close the deal for the final sale of the property.

The new Board was introduced to the public on Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, during a press conference at the Grand Lucayan.

“I am very proud of the members of this Board,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. “We have a very distinguished board with members who have deep experience in tourism, in law, in accounting and in the Grand Bahama Business community. This is a Board of professionals from a broad cross-section of our country.

“I’m excited to have these people on the Board and I’m excited to have their advice and council in this matter. We have a deep board of experience and we will be drawing on them to cause this development to happen in the shortest time frame.”

The new Chairman of the Board is Julian Russell, a Chartered Accountant, who also once served as a former Senator for the Progressive Liberal Party. Other members include Cassietta McIntosh-Pelecanos, attorney and Deputy Chair of the Board; Stewart Bowe, a former senior executive at Atlantis; Ernie Cambridge, an icon in the tourism industry in Grand Bahama; Merrit Storr, an attorney; Edward Rahming, a member of the former Board and a Chartered Accountant; and Carla Claire, an attorney.

The Tourism Minister, along with the Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey, took the new members of the Board on a tour of the resort, which was followed by a meeting.

Minister Cooper said the meeting with the Board and the introduction of the Board to the members of the public was an important transitional step.

“Over the past several weeks, we have been working diligently to negotiate out of the deal that existed before; and we have terminated that deal by mutual agreement. Now, we are moving forward to find a new partner and a new investor for this property.

“This is a fantastic asset on the waterfront here and this is an opportunity to strengthen the tourism product here in Grand Bahama: the goal of this board is to ensure that it comes into fruition in the shortest time frame possible. So, today in our board meeting, we will be discussing the way forward.”

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that there are at least six investors who have expressed serious interest in the purchase of the Grand Lucayan, adding that the list of possible investors is expanding every day. He said this is because there are a lot of people out there who understand the value [of] the Grand Lucayan and the other opportunities that exist on the island of Grand Bahama.

Minister Cooper pointed out that the tourism product of Grand Bahama centers around not just the Lucayan Resort, but also around the East and West End communities, where interest in building resorts in those areas has been expressed.

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that the ideal investor for the Grand Lucayan resort is not just someone or a group of people with deep pockets and significant resources, although he added that such a position is very important. But he said the ideal investor is one with a vision for the property and a shared vision for the development of tourism and the island of Grand Bahama.

“That’s what we are seeking and I know that some of the potential investors fit that bill and we’re very excited about that.”

 

Photo Captions: 

Header: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Hon. Chester I. Cooper (right), and Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (left), along with newly appointed members of the Grand Lucayan Board check out the view from the waterfront side of the Grand Lucayan during a tour of the facility on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

1st insert:  Official board meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Hon. Chester I. Cooper (left, center) and newly appointed members of the Board for the sale of the Grand Lucayan took place on Thursday, January 6, 2022, following a press conference to officially introduce board members.

2nd insert: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Hon. Chester Cooper (left), along with Minister for Grand Bahama, Hon. Ginger Moxey (center) and newly appointed Chairman of the Board for the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort, Mr. Jullian Russell (left) check out one of the rooms in Lighthouse Point, during a tour of the Grand Lucayan Resort on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

BIS Photos/Andrew Miller

 

 

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Bahamas Officials in Botswana

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Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Bahamas#Botswana, March 18th, 2024 – Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis is now in Botswana from March 18 to the 22, invited by Botswana’s president  Mokgweetsi Masisi, and both nations, according to The Bahamas Office of the Prime Minister, are expected to sign agreements for trade, education, tourism, investment, banking and climate change in efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties. The Bahamian officials accompanying Davis are the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Minister of Economic Affairs; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Investment and Aviation.

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RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

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Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

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CIBC CARIBBEAN and Bahamas Girl Guides Association host inaugural Delaney Leadership Seminar

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Nassau, Bahamas, February 28, 2024 – Enthusiastic girl guides, ranger guides, and girls representing schools across The Bahamas recently gathered at the first ever Delaney Leadership Seminar.

The seminar, named in honor of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s (now CIBC Caribbean) first female chief executive officer, Ms. Colette Delaney, empowered the next generation of female leaders through focused sessions on leadership development, cultivating a leadership mindset, and the importance of building strong, supportive friendships. 

The event featured a series of team building exercises, interactive discussions, and a keynote address by Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director. Dr. Bend shared insights on the essence of leadership, guiding principles, and emphasized the role of young women in shaping a vibrant future for The Bahamas and beyond.

“It was a privilege to witness the incredible energy and budding potential of the young leaders that participated. Leadership is not just about guiding others; it’s about inspiring action and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. The Delaney Leadership Seminar is a testament to CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing young, bright minds and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to lead with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Bend.

Held under the theme, Our World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future, the seminar underscored the importance of lifelong learning, perseverance, empathy, and collaboration in leadership, among other guiding principles. Dr. Bend highlighted the strides already being made by the participants and encouraged them to continue exploring their potential and envisioning their roles in creating positive change within their communities and the wider world.

Delina Rolle, a tenth-grade participant and aspiring lawyer from Preston H. Albury High School in Eleuthera, shared, “This seminar has been a life-changing experience for me. Hearing Dr. Bend’s success story and her tips were inspiring for me as a young girl trying to be a leader. I am happy I was selected by my school’s administration to attend and connect with so many amazing girls who share my dreams of making a difference.”

The Delaney Leadership Seminar has set a new benchmark for youth leadership programs in The Bahamas. The event concluded with a commitment from both CIBC Caribbean and the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to continue their support for youth leadership initiatives. 

In 2022, CIBC FirstCaribbean donated to the BGGA to assist in completing the interior of its $1.5 million, West Bay Street headquarters, which will feature meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential working areas.

It was at that time that Dr. Bend affirmed the bank’s commitment to support organizations that mirror the bank’s promise to assist women and girls in the communities it serves. Prior to that, the bank donated several native trees to BGGA, which were planted at its campsite, Camp Discovery, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Housing’s Forestry Unit.

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